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Policy Development & Reform

The core policy work of the Forestry Council is to advocate for forest policy and legislative reform, and create more opportunities for BC First Nations to provide input through technical support and engagement sessions.

 

This work is always informed by the Nations, so as to:

  • increase the inclusion of Indigenous laws and values in forest policy and legislation,
  • increase access to tenure and tenure viability, and
  • improve access to a meaningful share of forest revenues derived from the use of forest lands and resources on their territories.

Current Policy Work

 

Our goal is to advocate for policy development reform to increase the role BC First Nations play in the governance and stewardship of forest lands and resources.Enter your text here.

 

Useful Links

Statement of Law Regarding First Nations in Forestry

The work ensures that First Nations interests and priorities are addressed in provincial forest programs, policies, and practices. Some of the current and past policy issues that the FNFC has reviewed are described below:

Aborignal Title and the legal relationship with forests

The First Nations Forestry Council in partnership with Vancouver Island University, Centre for Pre-confederation Treaties and Reconciliation has produced a report that reviews the legal relationship with forests from a Crown perspective and from an Aboriginal perspective. The report discusses Aborignal Title and the legal relationship with forests, how it amounts to full beneficial ownership and the concepts of consent, consultation and accommodation. Finally, implications for decision-making and forest management are considered.